Halloween Horror Nights is a Halloween event that is held at Universal Studios theme parks. Since its inception, the event has terrified guests who are brave enough to enter and experience all the horror it has to offer. After a few attempts from 1986 to 2000, Universal Studios Hollywood has consistently held the horror-themed attraction every year since 2006.
This year is no different with eight new mazes on the lineup that include popular horror franchises such as Insidious, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and A Quiet Place that will immerse you in whatever horror you are walking into.
Insidious: The Further stands as the highlight of the event. Dread fills the body as “Tiptoe Through the Tulips” plays, setting the mood before guests enter the maze and encounter the many demons that have haunted the Lamberts for years. The detailed costumes of the scare actors will have guests fearing for their souls as they try to escape the wrath of the demons.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Legacy of Leatherface is another feature as it celebrates the 50th anniversary of the film’s franchise. Guests will walk through the slaughterhouse encountering every iteration of Leatherface new and old. Blaring chainsaws rev up as Leatherface takes a swing at his victims drives guests to the nearest exit. The gorey imagery of human remains prompts unease and discomfort in terrified maze-goers. This maze is Halloween Horror Nights at its best, and a definite must for the entire trip.
Despite great mazes being offered, not everything went well for guests during their stay. A 100+ degree heat wave rampaging throughout Southern California made for a grueling experience during the first few hours of the day. Additionally, the long walks and wait times made for an underwhelming experience for some guests.
“Are the mazes worth it to go and try them out? Yeah. I mean if you get your express pass you will enjoy it more. The only thing is waiting,” said attendee Rene Gamboa. “If you can get you know over waiting then you’re fine but I mean I wouldn’t recommend waiting an hour for a maze. If you get the pass then that’s even better.”
However, depending on strategy, some guests claim a majority of the mazes could be seen without the purchase of an express pass.
“Yeah it’s not necessary. We came before the doors even opened. So we were already in here before everyone got in here,” said Jared Smith. “If we were coming in like around nine we probably needed it especially if we wanted to ride the ones we really wanted to ride.”
It all comes down to personal preference whether you purchase the express pass or not. If you plan on visiting Halloween Horror Nights this year be sure to stay hydrated and keep yourself cool, and prepare for a thrilling experience that will make you dread next September.
A maze was misidentified in an earlier version of this article. The maze in the photo was Insidious: The Further, not The Weeknd: Nightmare Trilogy.